Best Reviewed
String Trimmers
- Cordless grass trimmer Black & Decker Grass Hog NST2018 *Est. $100
- Corded electric trimmer; better for weeds Stihl FSE 60 *Est. $120
- Best-value gas trimmer Hitachi CG22EASSLP *Est. $190
- Propane string trimmer Lehr Eco Trimmer ST025DC *Est. $140
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- As powerful as many gas trimmers
- Gear-drive transmission
- Variable-speed trigger
- Three-year warranty
- Battery charger Energy Star-certified
- Heavy
- Does not convert to an edger
- Battery must be recharged every 30 minutes or so
The Black & Decker NST2036 cordless string trimmer (*Est. $170) uses a 36-volt nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery that gives it three times the power of 18-volt trimmers, according to Black & Decker. Experts say it is as powerful as most gas trimmers. The straight shaft telescopes to accommodate people of different heights. The motor is top-mounted for better balance, and a gear-drive transmission gives it more power. If you don't need quite this much power and want to spend less, the Black & Decker NST2018 (*Est. $100) weighs only 7 pounds and gets great reviews from experts and users.
We found the best comparison review of the NST2036 at ConsumerReports.org, where it's compared to five other cordless trimmers. ConsumerGuide.com has a detailed review, and owners rate and review this model at Amazon.com, providing a look at how it performs over time.
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Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
ConsumerReports.org tests six cordless string trimmers, including the Black & Decker NST2036. (Gas and corded electric trimmers are tested as well.) Trimmers are rated on their ability to trim, edge and handle tall grass and weeds, as well as on handling and ease of use. A ratings chart ranks the trimmers according to their overall score.
Review: String Trimmers, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, May 2010
ConsumerGuide.com names the NST2036 a Best Buy, giving it an overall rating of 4 out of 5. They write, "For a hardworking, energy-efficient trimmer that rivals the performance of a gas-powered model, we highly recommend the Black & Decker NST2036 cordless string trimmer."
Review: Expert Review: Black & Decker NST2036 Cordless String Trimmer, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, March 12, 2008
3. Amazon.com
Almost 75 owners weigh in on the NST2036; they give this trimmer an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. The main complaint is that the battery run time is only 15 to 20 minutes; one person recommends buying two batteries, even though they are expensive. Others say the trimmer is pretty heavy and recommend using the included shoulder strap. However, many people are quite satisfied with the NST2036 and say they like its power, in particular.
Review: Black & Decker NST2036 Heavy-Duty 36-Volt Cordless Electric String Trimmer, Contributors to Amazon.com
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